Radiohead's new business model:

Radiohead is one of the few bands that can get away with this from a business standpoint. U2 and Pearl Jam could probably also. They are all extremely successful with a strong fan base, and none need the dough should the plan fail.

Most bands require the production, marketing and distribution support of a record company.

IMO.

I just heard about it 10 minutes ago. I think it will be interesting to see what happens in light of all the rights fiascos.

Arthur

Sounds sort of like "magnatune"dot com...

It should work, particularly if they tie it in with a world tour. Big name artist like Radiohead, Rolling Stones, Prince, etc. can easily gross $100,000,000+. The album sales are just the teaser.

At a very different level in sales, although not artistry, I know that Jane Siberry has been doing the same for a few years. Touring and merchandising is where the money is for working artists.

NPR did a story on the band yesterday. Since most money goes to the record company, they will actually get to keep the product of their making. As '61 notes, most revenue comes from sources apart from record sales. Still, gotta hand it to them for bypassing the evil that is most record companies!